Michael Mullen

My bowels are in an uproar. Just finished watching a couple of news items on CNN about bigotry and violent crimes (typically, I don’t watch or read the news—too downbeat). I’m just so tired of people not accepting and respecting one another. “Grow up!” as Joan Rivers might shout. There’s strength in diversity—embrace it, Picklepusses. Case in point, take Michael Mullen. Now he can relate to a hairdresser, a Norma Desmond-type star, a Brooklyn hood, a transgender, a homemaker, and a Mexican grandmother. That’s because he is all of these people. Allow your reporter to explain.

This talented actor brings to life every one of these characters in his recent one-man show in Los Angeles, The Mullen Mix, at The Ruby Theatre (named after yours truly...oh, okay, I’m a fibber!). Michael, twenty-five, hails from San Antonio, Texas, and this actor is such a chameleon that it spills over into his personal life. He’s not only a USC graduate in theater, but has a degree in fashion, as well. He’s also a chauffeur, an office temp, a dress designer, a literary agent, and a camp instructor. Michael is the recipient of the 2002 Best New Talent National Competition in Adult Male Acting. Presently, Michael is training to become a group facilitator with L.A. Shanti, an organization which provides emotional support services for people living with HIV or cancer.

On this humdinger of a spring day, Michael and I pile into Mother Lincoln (my old reliable ’69 classic) and drive up Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu. We end up at the Franciscan Serra Retreat in the hills above the Pacific Ocean. We sit outdoors, gardenside, on a ceramic tile bench overlooking the coast, as we treat ourselves to a spectacular view. We reflect.

Ruby Comer: With all the sickness in the world, people need to get along with each other above all. Hey, we’re all in this life together, and dagnabit, none of us are gettin’ out alive! [We laugh. I look out at the sun-glistened waves.] I’d like to bring this sanctuary of peace to each and every person….

Michael Mullen: [He sighs] Oh, Ruby, yes, <what a sight>!  I believe that every human being is worthy of love and understanding. People need to band together and help each other regardless of their differences. And ya know, especially since you work with the HIV and AIDS community, just because someone has been infected with HIV doesn’t make them any less of a person.I have friends who are HIV-positive, and have dated guys who were positive.

Did they immediately disclose their status?

Yes. Actually, one of the guys found out after we began dating. I saw how difficult and scary it was for him.

Oh, yes. How did you handle the news?

[He hesitates a moment.] I wasn’t thrilled to hear it, but I was attracted to him so we continued dating. When it came to sex, we both agreed to be very safe, before and after the test results.

So, with these HIV-positive guys you were dating, you didn’t break up with them because of their status, but due to ordinary relationship problems, right?

Yes, exactly. Fortunately, I’m HIV-negative, but I’m very open to dating someone who is positive.

You seem quite wise and educated when it comes to HIV. Did you learn about this in high school?  What year did you graduate?

In 1998.  [He tries to remember.]  No, we were not taught about AIDS. We might have been given a handout, or talked about it briefly in class one day.

Hmmm, not the answer I wanted to hear!  As you know, infection rates are high among your generation. What can you say to your fellow comrades?

I would just stress the importance of having pride in themselves, use a condom, and think about the consequences if you haven’t already, including pregnancy for heteros. AIDS can happen to anyone. Just look at the statistics!

And how.

Several years ago, I visited Camp Laurel, which is a place for kids with HIV and AIDS in Pasadena. It was one of the most eye-opening and rewarding experiences of my life. Here I was with all these kids who were born with HIV and they were so happy, optimistic, and full of life. I was truly inspired by them. These kids taught me to be grateful and not sweat the stupid, petty things in life. [He looks behind us at the statue of St. Francis of Assisi.] He had the right idea. Once I’m trained and certified, I’d like to work with these kids as a camp counselor.

Michael, my dear pumpkin, is there anything you don’t do?!!

Check out these two groups:  www.camplaurel.org and www.lashanti.org

Ruby Comer is an independent journalist from the Midwest who is happy to call Hollywood her home away from home. Reach her by e-mail at MsRubyComer@aol.com.

April 2006